People and Culture
Yunus Denies Claims of Anti-Hindu Violence in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has rejected allegations of persecution against Hindu minorities under the interim government, stating that no anti-Hindu violence is taking place in the country.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Yunus dismissed the claims as “fabricated and politically motivated.” The interview, conducted by journalist Mehdi Hasan for the online outlet GTO, was published on Monday, September 29.
“Spreading fake news has now become one of India’s key traits,” Yunus remarked, insisting that the reality inside Bangladesh is quite different. He argued that accusations of communal violence were being used deliberately to mislead.
Following mass protests in 2024 that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, an interim administration was formed, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus taking the helm as Chief Adviser. Reflecting on his appointment, Yunus said, “I was surprised when people wanted me to take on this responsibility. I initially did not want the role. But when I saw the sacrifices made by the protesters for the country and democracy, I changed my decision.”
In the same interview, Yunus also touched on broader issues, including the rationale for delays in holding national elections, possible political solutions to the Rohingya crisis, and the debate over banning the activities of the Awami League.
Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist , along with other detainees, has been released by . A Turkish Airlines flight carrying Alam has already departed for , according to a statement issued by the on Friday (October 10).
The statement added that the flight is expected to land in Istanbul at around 2:30 p.m. local time.
Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, , welcomed Shahidul Alam upon his arrival at the airport.
Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude to Turkish President for his support in securing Alam’s release and repatriation from Israel.
People from all walks of life paid tribute to world-renowned artist S M Sultan on his 31st death anniversary on Friday (10 October) in Narail.
The commemoration took place at the Sultan Complex, where floral wreaths were placed at the artist’s grave by the S M Sultan Foundation, Narail District Administration, Sultan Memorial Museum, District Shilpakala Academy, and Narail Press Club, among others.
Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan, Superintendent of Police Md Rabiul Islam, and other government representatives joined cultural leaders and local residents in honoring the late artist.
Earlier in the morning, a Qur’an recitation was held at Sultan’s residence, followed by a children’s art competition, an exhibition, prize-giving ceremony, and discussion session at Shishuswargo, an art center established in his memory.
Born on 10 August 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, Sultan’s paintings were exhibited in Shimla, Lahore, Karachi, New York, Boston, Michigan, London, Dhaka, and Germany.
Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including the Ekushey Padak (1982), Independence Award (1993), Resident Artist recognition (1984), and Bangladesh Fine Arts Honor (1986).
The celebrated artist, known for his secular humanist ideals, passed away on 10 October 1994 at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest in the courtyard of his home in Narail.
People and Culture
Bangladeshi Teen Sudipta Debnath Nominated for International Children’s Peace Prize 2025
Fifteen-year-old social activist Sudipta Debnath from Satkhira, Bangladesh, has been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2025. The nomination comes in recognition of his work on child protection, climate justice, and educational empowerment.
The prize is awarded annually by the KidsRights Foundation, a Netherlands-based organization that honors children worldwide who advocate for child rights.
For the past three years, Sudipta has been working in Bangladesh’s coastal regions to combat child marriage, child labor, and school dropout. His awareness campaigns—both online and offline—have helped prevent multiple child marriages and encouraged many families to prioritize education.
Through webinars, social media campaigns, and community workshops, Sudipta has reached thousands with messages about child safety, digital security, and the right to education.
A recent graduate of Satkhira Government High School, Sudipta is now studying in grade 11 at Satkhira Government College. He is the son of Jamini Kumar Debnath and Sejuti Debnath of Masterpara, Satkhira town.
Expressing his feelings, Sudipta said, “I’m truly honored to be nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Working for children inspires me, and I wish to expand my efforts even further in the future.
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